Colts-Patriots tilt shaping as battle of Good vs. Evil

espn.com ^ | October 23, 2007 | Gregg Easterbrook

[Boston Blackie]

Patriots at Colts has a powerful, compelling narrative. Namely -- Good vs. Evil.

Argument for the Indianapolis Colts as paladins who carry the banner of that which is beneficent: Sportsmanship, honesty, modesty, devotion to community, embrace of traditional small-town life, belief in higher power, even love of laughter.

Argument for the New England Patriots as scoundrels in the service of that which is baleful: Dishonesty, cheating, arrogance, hubris, endless complaining even in success. The Patriots have three Super Bowl rings, but that jewelry is tarnished by their cheating scandal. They run up the score to humiliate opponents -- more on that below -- thus mocking sportsmanship. Their coach snaps and snarls in public, seeming to feel contempt for the American public that has brought him wealth and celebrity.

The team's star, Tom Brady, is a smirking sybarite who dates actresses and supermodels but whose public charity appearances are infrequent. That constant smirk on Brady's face reminds one of Dick Cheney; people who smirk are fairly broadcasting the message, "I'm hiding something."

[Beckwith]

There's only two ONE possible reason why the Pats insist on running up the score

Because they can.

[Beckwith]

PS ~ GOOD WON!